40th Cape Town Cycle Tour celebrated as economic powerhouse

Mar 6, 2017

The figures behind the crowds of visitors attracted to the Cape Town Cycle Tour represent a story of growth and success, providing welcome job opportunities for locals and a boost to the economy that extends beyond the event itself.

Two-wheeled tourists

According to the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT), the event injects in excess of R500 million into the Western Cape economy every year, as well as raising millions for charitable undertakings and cycling development which has a significant impact to those in need, both regionally and beyond.

Additionally, the Absa Cape Epic (2016) contributed R300 million contribution to the economy and the Cape Rouleur attracts 160 pro, former pro, celebrity, and amateur riders from 16 countries across Africa, America, Australasia and Europe.

These three events alone are nudging towards a billion-rand annual contribution.

This year there are 4,000 international registrations for CTCT, and a total of 35,000 riders, including 2,000 riding for charities Obtaining an entry is part of the competition for this sought-after race. Tens of thousands of spectators will gather along the route to support the riders.

Hotels and other places of accommodation are already reporting high occupancy rates, as it is still high season for tourism, and the city is set to be host to thousands of visitors attending the pre-race Expo and enjoying some exploration of local attractions and experiences while in Cape Town.

Cycling in the city is a popular activity for locals, and there are many cycling tour opportunities for visitors, including cycling on the Sea Point Promenade and through local communities such as Langa, Khayelitsha and Masiphumelele.

“This popular annual event highlights that business, entertainment and sporting events are of primary importance in attracting visitors and adding value to tourism in Cape Town. It shows that there’s something for everyone, all year round. Our objective is to generate more popular events such as these, ones that will also enjoy decades of support.

Cape Town Tourism as an organisation has partnered with the Warrior on Wheels foundation to assist four children with disabilities in enjoying the thrill of the Cape Town Cycle Tour in 2017 to showcase that events must be accessible to all. We trust that many more popular events will come out of this reputation as an ideal host city. Well done to the organisers for putting on successful events and providing jobs for locals.”– Enver Duminy CEO, Cape Town Tourism.

Please note the road closures for the event on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 March and take care when on the roads to be vigilant for increased volumes of traffic as well as cycling enthusiasts.

The hunt for a gang that stormed a police station in Ngcobo in the early hours of Wednesday morning and killed five police officers as well as an off-duty soldier continued on Thursday with authorities calling on the public for leads that can help in their investigations...